Africa-Press – Lesotho. Video-sharing platform YouTube has announced the end of monetising videos generated byArtificial Intelligence (AI).
In the latest policy update, the platform said reused content, or low-effort compilations, will also not be monetised.
It said instead that only creators producing original content with authentic human voices will be eligible for monetisation.
“In order to monetise as part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), YouTube has always required creators to upload ‘original’ and ‘authentic’ content.
“On July 15, 2025, YouTube is updating our guidelines to better identify mass-produced and repetitious content. This update better reflects what “inauthentic” content looks like today,” the update reads.
The update is seen as a strategic step towards protecting creators.
According to YouTube Insider Rene Ritchie, the update will only help better identify content that is mass-produced or repetitive on the platform.
“This is a minor update to YouTube’s longstanding YPP policies to help better identify when content is mass-produced or repetitive. This type of content has already been ineligible for monetisation for years, and is content viewers often consider spam,” he said.
The policy, however, does not mean one cannot use AI tools to bring their creative ideas to life.
The affected videos include AI-generated video or videos with synthetic voices, reused or repurposed content without significant changes, and Low-effort compilations that lack originality.
Faceless or automated videos offering minimal human input, such as a static image with an AI-generated audio track, will also be demonetised.
The new policy will also require creators to disclose when realistic content uses altered or synthetic media, including generative AI.
To remain monetised, creators must now use real, human voices in videos and produce unique, creative, and authentic content.
They must also add original commentary, personal insights, or in-depth analysis to videos.
Including behind-the-scenes or videos explaining the creative process can also help in monetisation.
For More News And Analysis About Lesotho Follow Africa-Press
